Heat capacities of xenotime-type ceramics: An accurate ab initio prediction

Because of ability to incorporate actinides into their structure, the lanthanide phosphate ceramics (LnPO4) are considered as potential matrices for the disposal of nuclear waste. Here we present highly reliable ab initio prediction of the variation of heat capacities and the standard entropies of these compounds in zircon structure along lanthanide series (Ln = Dy, …,Lu) and validate them against the existing experimental data. These data are helpful for assessment of thermodynamic parameters of these materials in the context of using them as matrices for immobilization of radionuclides for the purpose of nuclear waste management.